The Adoption Advocate is a publication created by NCFA to educate policymakers, families, child welfare specialists, and other interested parties on today's most relevant child welfare and adoption issues. This publication is edited by Christie Renick, Chuck Johnson, and Megan Lestino. You can sign up to receive the Adoption Advocate by email each month by signing up for our email list.

Posted October 1, 2012

Educating Hospitals About Adoption: How Hospital Staff Can Support Parents Considering an Adoption Plan

Authored By: Devon Karst with Megan Lindsey

The October 2012 issue of NCFA’s Adoption Advocate focuses on the needs and rights of parents considering adoption while they are in the hospital for the birth of their child. Parents deserve to be treated with respect and understanding during this pivotal time, and hospital staff should be made aware of the emotional and legal implications of adoption for those considering and impacted by it.

Posted September 1, 2012

The Unique Educational Challenges Facing Youth in Foster Care

Authored By: Jetaine Hart

In this September 2012 “back to school” issue of NCFA's Adoption Advocate, Educational Mentor and former foster youth Jetaine Hart provides insight into the many challenges to educational attainment that are faced by youth in foster care, shares information about her own work with students in Alameda County, and offers her expert recommendations on ways in which foster families, educators, mentors, and others involved in the lives of youth in care can support and help them achieve their educational goals. A 2009 Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute Foster Youth Intern, Ms. Hart also recently contributed to NCFA's May 2012 Adoption Advocate, “Advocating for America's Youth in Foster Care: Perspectives and Recommendations from Former Foster Youth.”

Posted August 1, 2012

Earlier is Better for Family Care: What Research Tells Us About Young Children and Institutionalization

Authored By: Gary Nelson Gamer

The August 2012 issue of NCFA's Adoption Advocate by Gary Gamer, child welfare expert and former CEO of Holt International Children's Services, focuses on what several recent studies have revealed about the harmful impact of institutionalization on young children, and highlights the importance of family-based care to avoid or counter many of these negative effects. Gary concludes: "Along with efforts to strengthen adoption and foster care programs, stronger support services must be provided to struggling families so that children can remain with their families in a safe and healthy environment. A care model centered on institutions is simply too risky a gamble for orphaned, abandoned, and vulnerable children."

Posted July 1, 2012

Adoption Resources for Americans Living Abroad

Authored By: Melissa Blauvelt

Many Americans residing outside the U.S. that are interested in adopting, including women and men serving in the military, may find it more challenging to find both information about adoption and support throughout the process. The July 2012 issue of NCFA's Adoption Advocate, "Adoption Resources for Americans Living Abroad" by Melissa Blauvelt, provides guidance and suggestions for members of the U.S. military and other American citizens living abroad.

Posted June 1, 2012

Supporting Maltreated Children: Countering the Effects of Neglect and Abuse

Authored By: Melissa Blauvelt

NCFA’s Adoption Advocate for the month of June, “Supporting Maltreated Children: Countering the Effects of Neglect and Abuse,” is excerpted from several articles by Dr. Bruce D. Perry, an internationally-recognized authority on children in crisis.

Advocating for America's Youth in Foster Care: Perspectives and Recommendations from Former Foster Youth

In honor of National Foster Care Month, the May issue of NCFA’s Adoption Advocate features interviews with six former foster youth. They share their perspectives on foster placements, courts, caseworkers, education, reunification, and adoption.

Posted January 1, 2012

2012 Policy Priorities and Adoption-Related Legislation

Authored By: Megan Lindsey

The January 2012 issue of NCFA’s Adoption Advocate outlines our policy priorities and adoption-related legislation, including the Adoption Tax Credit, National Putative Father Registry, and post-adoption services and support.